Ford Motor Co. says its U.S. sales rose nearly 40 percent in March thanks to strong demand for its Fusion and Taurus sedans.

Sales were expected to rise after auto industry weakness last March. Incentives offered by rival Toyota also brought more buyers to showrooms this month.

Ford says car sales rose 53 percent. The Fusion set an all-time monthly sales record, with sales up 79 percent over last March. Truck sales climbed 30 percent.